Speeding Ambulances

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An ambulance with its sirens on speeds towards you while you stand still. As the ambulance approaches (at constant velocity), you will hear a sound that:

A. continuously decreases in pitch and intensity.

B. has a fixed pitch but increases in intensity.

C. has a fixed pitch but decreases in intensity.

D. continuously increases in pitch and intensity.

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Correct Answer: B.has a fixed pitch but increases in intensity.

This is a question about the Doppler effect. If the source of a sound moves towards the observer, then the perceived frequency will increase. Just like in life, the ambulance seems to get louder as it gets closer (increase intensity), but then makes much less noise after it passes. However, if the ambulance’s speed is constant, its higher pitch will remain constant as well.

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